147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the new rank of Lance Corporal, as proposed by the Commission on the Defence Forces, will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/24]

This recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces report has been identified for further evaluation. Such further evaluation requires consultation with key stakeholders, including Military management and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR) regarding all aspects of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications of introducing a new rank into the Defence Forces. Discussions between the Department of Defence and Military management have commenced.